IUGR and SUA at 37 weeks

[silhouettedreams]

Hello! I hope that it's not inappropriate that I'm posting this here (someone correct me if it is). I'm a med surg nurse, and a week from today I'm being induced. I'll be 37 weeks along, and my baby has IUGR and SUA. Other than that she looks OK. She's been doing well on her stress tests and her biophysical profile always comes back 8/8. Our growth scan this week shows her at 3 pounds 11 ounces. I was just wondering if anyone would mind telling me what their experience is in cases like this is? Will she be whisked away to the NICU immediately after birth? With such a low birth weight, how will her blood sugar and body temperature regulation be? Will she need to be vented? About how long will she likely be in the NICU? Will she be able to breastfeed, or will she need tube feeds initially? I'm so nervous. My husband keeps telling me not to think of this as a nurse, but it's impossible not to. I know every case is different, and every baby is different, but I was just curious to hear what you've seen in your experience. I really appreciate any responses!

[rnkaytee]

Per TOS we can't give any advice -- these are all great questions and I'd encourage you to speak with your OB (maybe they could arrange a NICU consult?) Hope all will be well with your daughter, I'm sorry you're going through this!

[babyNP., APRN]

You should totally ask for a NICU consult on your next visit or as your induction starts. Usually most units have a weight limit for automatic admission to the NICU. One of my unit's for example, is 1800 grams. There is a spectrum for these kids with most being relatively well with some hypoglycemia, but as rnkayee said above, we cannot give medical advice. Best of luck and congratulations.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

Yes, ask for a consult. Some of the questions you might ask is if the facility has absolute requirements for NICU admission like admitting all infants under so many grams. Basically, what are their criteria going to be that will determine whether baby needs NICU care versus standard newborn care. I could tell you ours but that really wouldn't be helpful because they are different from place to place (and the whole advice-giving thing). If it is looking like baby will go to the NICU, ask what resources are available to facilitate breastfeeding, every place is different and there are ways to support lactation even if baby can't suckle (yet).

I do wish you the very best!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

We are so sorry for the added stress you are going thru. However, we can't answer these questions - please consult with your OB and your NICU staff.

Best wishes.